The Cave People

The Cave People: A Journey Back in Time

Can you imagine living in a cave? Less than 100 years ago, a typical Icelandic family did just that! The Cave People of Laugarvatnshellar embraced a lifestyle that seems almost unimaginable today. These caves recreate their history, restored to match the way they looked when the last families lived there a century ago.

Join us for a guided tour through the caves and their scenic surroundings. Our expert guides will bring history to life as they share captivating stories about the challenges, joys, and daily routines of The Cave People. Since the tours last 25 minutes and run every 30 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to relax in the cozy Cave Café, where you can enjoy traditional Icelandic treats.

Laugarvatnshellar, located between Þingvellir National Park and Laugarvatn, consists of two man-made caves with an intriguing history. Some believe Irish monks created these caves before Iceland’s settlement in 874. Over the centuries, shepherds and their livestock used the caves as shelter. However, ghost stories eventually discouraged people from returning.

In 1910, Indriði Guðmundsson and Guðrún Kolbeinsdóttir moved into the caves, where they lived for a year. Later, in 1918, Jón Þorvarðsson and Vigdís Helgadóttir made these caves their home for four years. These families worked hard, tending livestock, growing potatoes, hunting ptarmigan, and selling refreshments and berries to travelers exploring what is now The Golden Circle.

Discover the fascinating history of The Cave People and immerse yourself in Iceland’s unique heritage for a truly unforgettable experience.